Dive into the captivating world of George Enescu's operatic masterpiece, "Oedipe, Op. 23," released on January 17, 2006, under the prestigious Naxos label. This two-hour and eight-minute journey through ancient Greek tragedy is a testament to Enescu's genius, showcasing his profound understanding of drama and music.
"Oedipe" is a retelling of the myth of Oedipus, composed between 1910 and 1931. The opera is divided into four acts, each filled with intricate arias, powerful choruses, and dramatic orchestrations that bring Sophocles' timeless story to life. From the haunting prologue to the climactic epilogue, Enescu's composition is a symphony of human emotion and divine intervention.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Monte Pederson and Egils Silins, who deliver powerful performances that resonate with the weight of the tragic narrative. The orchestral arrangements are rich and textured, providing a dramatic backdrop to the vocal performances.
Enescu's "Oedipe" is not just an opera; it's a profound exploration of fate, free will, and the human condition. The music is as much a character in the story as the singers, with Enescu's compositional prowess shining through in every note. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Oedipe, Op. 23" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of George Enescu's musical legacy.
2006 Naxos Rights International Ltd.2006 Naxos Rights International Ltd.
Tracks
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: PreludeGeorge Enescu, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: Roi Laïos, en ta maison (Women, High Priest, Warriors, Shepherds, Creon)George Enescu, Goran Simic, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act I Prologue: Les Dieux ont béni l’enfant (High Priest, Jocasta, Laius, Tiresias, Chorus)George Enescu, Goran Simic, Marjana Lipovsek, Josef Hopferwieser, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 1: Mais l’éxil éternel! (Oedipus, Phorbas, Chorus)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Peter Koves, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 1: Pourquoi trembler, mon fils? (Merope, Oedipus)George Enescu, Mihaela Ungureanu, Monte Pederson, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 2: Est-ce déjà le Roi? (Shepherd, Oedipus, Laius)George Enescu, Michael Roider, Monte Pederson, Josef Hopferwieser, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 3: De l’aurore à l’aurore (Watchman, Oedipus, Sphinx)George Enescu, Walter Fink, Monte Pederson, Marjana Lipovsek, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act II Scene 3: Ho! Ho! Réveillez-vous, Thébains! (Watchman, Oedipus, Thebans, Chorus)George Enescu, Walter Fink, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Oh! Oh! Hélas! Hélas! (Chorus, Oedipus, High Priest, Creon)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Goran Simic, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Divin Tirésias, très cher, très grand (Oedipus, Tiresias, Creon, Chorus)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Egils Silins, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Qu’entends-je, Oedipe? (Jocasta, Oedipus, Chorus, Shepherds, Phorbas)George Enescu, Marjana Lipovsek, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act III: Ouvrez les portes! (Oedipus, Chorus, Antigone, Creon)George Enescu, Monte Pederson, Ruxandra Donose, Davide Damiani, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act IV Epilogue: Bienveillantes! Bienfaisantes! (Chorus, Theseus, Oedipus, Antigone)George Enescu, Yu Chen, Monte Pederson, Ruxandra Donose, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen
Oedipe, Op. 23, Act IV Epilogue: Père! Père! Créon! Je vois Créon! (Antigone, Creon, Oedipus, Chorus)George Enescu, Ruxandra Donose, Davide Damiani, Monte Pederson, Vienna Boys' Choir, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Austrian Federal Theatres Stage Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Michael Gielen